Lily and the Duke (Sex and the Season 1)

“You didn’t.” She gave a nervous laugh. “That is, I didn’t mind.”

“I’m glad.” He wrung out the cloth and placed it on the side of the tub. He grabbed the soap again and smoothed it over Lily’s body, caressing her with its lather.

“Mmm,” Lily said, breathing deeply, “that’s nice.”

She opened her eyes and took in the sights of the chamber. The golden faucet was in the shape of a lion’s head. A basin stood on a pedestal, also made of creamy white marble. A small door beyond led to a water closet, she assumed. “This is a beautiful bath chamber, and so modern. How long have you had it?”

“It’s all new actually,” Daniel said. “My mother had all the master bath chambers redone with the most efficient plumbing available after my father died. I was surprised to find it all when I returned from the continent.”

“It’s just decadent.” Lily closed her eyes and inhaled the natural scent of bodies in warm water. “I don’t know when I’ve enjoyed a bath more.”

“Is that due to the modern plumbing, or the company?” Daniel smoothed his fingers over her breast and pinched her nipple lightly.

She swallowed. “I guess I couldn’t have one without the other.”

She angled her face toward him and he caught her lips in a delicate kiss. Carefully she turned around so she was facing him, her legs straddling his.

“If you’re going to sit on me like that, I may have to take you again.”

She ignored his comment and gazed into his eyes. “You know, you have the most amazing eyes I have ever seen. They’re almost the color of emeralds, but not quite. There’s a touch of blue in them, but not enough to call them teal or turquoise. I can’t really describe the color, which is quite maddening, actually. There’s almost an undertone of…violet, if that makes any sense. Violet, yes, and a midnight blue. It’s like someone took an emerald, added just a touch of amethyst to it, and then melded it with a sapphire, but only on the bottom.” Lily ran her thumbs lightly across his eyelashes. “So beautiful.” She pulled him toward her and touched her lips lightly to his temple. “If I had some oil paints, the first color I would try to mix is the color of your eyes.”

Daniel stared at her. He started to speak, but she continued, lacing her fingers through his hair.

“And your hair. It’s so rich and thick. The color is like the afternoon sun shining through those high wispy clouds. I see highlights of burnt gold, and amber, and chestnut brown, and just a touch of silver.”

“The silver is grey, Lily.”

She reveled in the silk of his hair entwined in her fingers. “It feels like soft suede. I love how it falls in waves and touches your shoulders.” She smiled and paused for a moment. Then, “I want to wash it for you.”

“What?”

“Did I stutter? I said I want to wash your hair.”

Daniel shook his head, smiling. “You are, without a doubt, the first woman who has ever asked that of me.”

“I never claimed to be like any of your other women.” Lily batted her eyes. “Now, may I wash your hair or not?”

“I could never deny you anything, love,” Daniel said.

“Wonderful.” Lily reached over and grabbed the pitcher from the wash stand next to the tub. “Now close your eyes.”

Daniel obeyed as Lily poured warm water over his head until it was saturated. She grabbed a dry towel and dabbed his eyes. “You can open now.” She took some soft soap in her hands and rubbed it into a lather between her palms. “Now, now, this won’t hurt a bit.” She smoothed the soap onto his head. Gently she massaged him, his wet locks sliding between her fingers. Her breasts rubbed against the wet hair on his chest, forcing her nipples into erect nubs.

Daniel closed his eyes and groaned. “You have sensational hands, Lily.”

“So I’ve been told.” She smiled.

He jerked against her. “You have?”

“By my art instructor, you cad!” She threaded her fingers through his hair one last time. “There, I think it’s clean now. I love the feel of your hair, Daniel.” She reached for the pitcher again. “Close your eyes. It’s time to rinse.” She drenched his head with warm water until the last trace of soap was removed. Gently she toweled his eyes. “All done. I bet your hair hasn’t been that clean in ages.”

Daniel stared at her, his eyes rife with mischief. She looked down. The ends of her long hair were slick with moisture and clung to the swell of her breasts.

“Your turn,” he said, grabbing the pitcher and filling it with the warm bath water.

“Daniel, no!” Lily shouted, trying to scramble away from him. “My hair is long and thick. It will never dry in time!”

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